My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

table and opened it. Before she could even offer some

is so pretty,

her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into

candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss

group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss Rachel a

the ‘Happy

her eyes and

blow out the

to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go to such

children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking

clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake

thank you!” their parents instructed,

off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was heartwarming

Rachel finally smiled

so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and

well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s expression

regretting bringing up the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s

she turned and

inside her apartment and about to

the door was propped open by a

her head up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more

he out on

sideways into the house and shut

been getting along

steps back.

her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled off

“I suppose you wouldn’t want me

her, forcing her back inch by

Rachel had no idea what

pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all